By Gcwalisile Mhlabane (Intern)
EZULWINI – With the power to unite hearts on the dance floor, Nontokozo Dieketseng Malinga, popularly known as DJ Keiisy, is quickly carving out her place in Eswatini’s Deep House music scene.
As the founder of Deep House Is Back, a platform dedicated to spotlighting local talent, Keiisy is bringing fresh energy and rhythm to the decks—and the dance floors.
Currently based in Ezulwini, Keiisy was born and raised in Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, South Africa. Music was always a central part of her upbringing. Her home echoed with the sounds of R&B and Maskandi, genres her family held close. “Music was always a part of my life,” she reflects. “At family gatherings, we’d always have music playing—it helped me connect with it deeply.”
Her passion for music deepened when she moved to Eswatini, where she found herself surrounded by a lively music community. Encouraged by DJ friends and inspired by the local scene, she began to explore the craft. Although she initially considered Hip Hop—largely due to the lack of female DJs in the genre—a close friend encouraged her to follow her true passion: Deep House.
That advice proved pivotal. “They reminded me to focus on what I really love, and that’s Deep House,” she says. Known for its groovy yet relaxed beats, the genre speaks to Keiisy’s soul. “It’s music that brings people together,” she says. “Seeing people dance and lose themselves in the sound—that’s what makes it all worthwhile.”
Her journey as a DJ began with local gigs, where she developed her craft under the mentorship of DJ Sixo. “He taught me how to play, and I’ll always be grateful,” she says. His guidance helped her find her unique sound—an infectious blend of energy and emotion that continues to win over audiences.
In April last year, Keiisy marked a major milestone with the launch of her own show, Deep House Is Back. The inaugural event, held on April 13, was a resounding success, bringing together Deep House lovers from across the region. “Hosting that show felt surreal,” she says. “It was something I’d only dreamed of.”
Since then, the platform has grown into a community-driven showcase for local talent, with Keiisy at the helm. She’s also taken part in special events, including Naidoo’s birthday celebration and the Women’s Month Edition hosted by New Life, where she shared the stage with renowned South African DJ Judy Jay.
Despite challenges that come with being a woman in a male-dominated industry, Keiisy remains undeterred. “We often get early slots, but I don’t see that as a problem,” she says. “What matters is the connection with the crowd.”
Her advice to aspiring DJs is simple but powerful: stay authentic and don’t lose yourself in the glitz and glamour. “Keep pushing. Believe in yourself. And don’t forget to rest—it’s easy to get caught up in the hustle.”
Looking ahead, Keiisy is focused on growing Deep House Is Back and performing at larger festivals, including Eswatini’s celebrated MTN Bushfire Festival and the iconic HMF stage. “There’s so much more I want to do,” she says with a smile. “This is just the beginning.”
